Portland. Oregon in the Pacific Northwest has a colorful history that began with a coin toss that named the land claim after Portland, Maine instead of after Boston, Massachusetts. The “Portland Penny” settled the coin toss that named the beautifully scenic land that was destined to become a great sea port. Portland’s colorful history includes lumber barons, brothels, saloons and rough and tumble characters. Historic hotels of Portland signal the beginning of a more refined era, when the wealthy turn of the century entrepreneurs demanded lodging that suited their exalted station in life. Historic Hotels of America has two member hotels in this port city, including The Heathman Hotel and The Governor Hotel.
Historic Hotels in Portland Oregon
The Heathman Hotel
An Italian Renaissance style building, from the late 1920’s, The Heathman Hotel is a downtown landmark. Public spaces have been renovated in grand Art Deco style, providing a perfect backdrop for an extensive collection of artwork.
The Heathman Hotel was a popular gathering center for the colorful characters of Portland’s early days, when the city was home to wealthy lumber barons and railroad magnates.
The Heathman enjoys a convenient downtown location, adjacent to the Portland Center for the Performing Arts and the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Attractions that are nearby include the Portland Art Museum, Oregon Historical Society Museum, Macy’s, Nordstroms, Tiffany’s, Sakes Fifth Avenue, Pioneer Place and the fashionable Pearl District.
This luxury boutique hotel offers modern amenities including 24 hour room service, Complimentary HBO Cable channel, high definition premium television, complimentary high speed wireless Internet, business center and Guest Author Library. The acclaimed Heathman Restaurant and Bar offers a fresh menu daily.
The Heathman Hotel, 1001 SW Broadway at Salmon, Portland, OR 97205. 1-800-551-0011.
Haunted Heathman Hotel in Portland OR
The Governor Hotel
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Governor Hotel ranks as a true landmark of the Pacific Northwest. Built in the boom years following Portland’s 1905 Lewis & Clark Centennial Exposition, the hotel covers over half of a city block. Murals portray scenes for the explorers’ journey. Oregon’s past is captured with Native American inspired themes, rich wood textures and rustic chandeliers.
The architect of the hotel, William C. Knighton, incorporated a bell motif into the hotel, a beloved design element that he was noted for.
When the hotel opened, in 1909, it was called the Seward Hotel. The building was one of the last “handmade” buildings in American, according to information of the Historic Hotels of America website. The exterior was inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement.
The Seward Hotel was considered one of the finest in Portland. Billed as the “hotel of quiet elegance” rooms were $1.50 to $2.00 a night, breakfast included.
In the 1990’s, the landmark hotel was restored to its original grandeur and reopened as the Governor Hotel.
Te hotel’s west wing is the Princeton Building, which was built in 1923 as the Portland Elks Lodge. The building also housed the WPA, a World War II induction center and several businesses before the Italian style building was incorporated into the hotel. The Princeton building recalls Rome’s Farnese Palace. In 2004, the west wing became the new entrance of the hotel, including a beautifully remodeled and restored lobby and reception area.
The Governor Hotel is a luxury property that has been rated AAA Four Diamond. Modern amenities include wireless Internet, Starbucks Coffee Shop, Fitness Center, Concierge service and Jakes’s Grill on the premises.
The Governor Hotel, 614 SW 11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97205. 1-503-224-3400.
Information subject to change.
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